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I am sorry that I have such sad news for you all- But I feel that all of you should know.
This morning being the 24.8.06, shihan smith passed away. For me and all those who trained under him this is a blow. Sensei had been suffering illness for some time- his passing does still strikes as a shock.

My prayers and feelings go out to those who knew him personally and my sympathy to his family and friends.

My sensei's sensei passed away a few years back, as well as an iaido sensei that was a friend of our dojo. Both of these events hurt, not only because we couldn't see them again, but because their knowledge was partially gone. I can partially identify with how you're feeling right now. I don't know how I will react when my sensei passes away.

I'm sorry that your teacher has passed on, but you know what your job is now, right? Start trainin' them kids, bro. Pass it on!

"The only difference between Congress and drunken sailors is that drunken sailors spend their own money." -Tom Feeney, representative from Florida

Not only have we lost a great Sensei, but I have lost a true friend.
Shihan Smith was a father figure to many people and a great inspiration to all Aikidoka that new him.
He built the foundation for the UKA to go forward and grow.
His Aikido and memory will be with me forever.
I would like Mrs Smith and the family to know, that your extended Aikido family are with you at this sad time.....God Bless Sensei Smith.

A terrible shame, I had the pleasure of training on a course where he taught a section a couple of years ago. Absolutely lovely man, they dont come any better. He punched me very gently on the cheek to show me an opening in my shihohnage and how to correct it, it's a lesson I've always remembered! I believe he had suffered from terminal cancer for the last decade or so, but felt that he wasnt ready to die, after doctors initially gave him months to live. An inspiration to us all. My condolences to his family, friends and students.

They're all screaming about the rock n roll, but I would say that it's getting old. - REFUSED.

I never actually trained with Shihan Smith, but I think his passing highlights one of the sad things about today's Aikido, we have reached a time when all of the "wise old men" for want of a better phrase, are passing, with them goes the knowledge they have gained. The only hope we can have is that their students continue to do their work, and take up their path, leading it further on once they have left us, in that way we can continue and add to what we have been given by these great sensei.

My condolences to his family, friends and students

"No matter your pretence, you are what you are and nothing more." - Kenshiro Abbe Shihan